Good parents come in different forms. Each one of us has different strengths, interests, and values that make us great parent. Don’t let yourself become discouraged or disappointed when other people offer advice’ which conflicts with your instincts. As long as it works for you and your child, nobody should be able to convince you that your method is wrong, whether it be his diet, his behavior, or his sleeping habits. Once you recognize and embrace your own parenting style, you can stop trying to live up to other people’s rules and get on with enjoying being a parent, and doing what is best for your child. This is no more so when it comes to moulding your child’s sleeping habits.
The joy of individual parenting, and taking advice on your child’s sleeping habits and arrangements is a particular issue which can cause a lot of friction. After all, it is you and your partner who have reared you child from day one, and knows exactly what he or she needs and wants. Any particular ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ will come from your natural instincts regarding your child and from your child directly. There are no fixed, hard and fast rules for your child’s sleeping habits, so just go with what works for you. As your child grows, his needs may change, but as long as you stay in tune with him or her, and their requirements, there should be no real problem. Just go with what feels comfortable, and if that conflicts with what a certain book says, or what advice you have been told, then throw that book in the bin, or choose to ignore the advice you have received!